bike culture blogged

Concerned about the quality of coffee in Beijing, I’m traveling with a french press. While the Bodum works great, I’ve gone through two since my last post. They crack in my suitcase. I’m guessing it’s the pressure and depressurization cycles on the plane and eventually the crack spreads, fills with coffee, and that’s the end of that Bodum. So, I found a stainless steel travel press/mug, removed the handle (takes up too much space), grinded down the handle mounts, adorned it with bike shop stickers from Elliot Bay and here I come Beijing with hot, strong coffee in Senor Muggy.

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The Team Bike Hugger blog prompted questions from readers as to what it takes to start road racing. I hope this inspires at least a few of you to get out there and experience the thrill of racing first-hand. Here is my take on the fundamentals of racing:

Anyone can race. You can be a successful racer.

Racing isn’t rocket science. The rules are simple, many are common-sense.

You do not need to train like a pro or be a talented athlete (aka a freak of nature) to begin racing.

You must be passionate about riding your bike.

Racing is addictive. After you race once, the habit is usually formed and very difficult to break.

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Tune into the audio archives of today’s Conversation on KUOW, covering the Bike Master Plan and what it means for Seattle. As my two-year-old toddled around the house this afternoon, bike helmet atop his head, I couldn’t help but hope that he will see a better, more bike-friendly, Seattle.

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Later this week, I’ll blog Beijing by bike. I’m visiting China for the Intel Developer Forum and Elliot Bay Bicycles is providing me a folding bike to ride around, check the city out, and experience the totally different world of China. And in that world, at least for now, bicycles still outnumber cars. For more on China, check